Joanna Newsom Communes with an Owl in ‘The North Star Grassman and the Ravens’

Harp maestro covers Sandy Dennis for L.A. fashion line

Harp-equipped fairy queen Joanna Newsom may have delivered three albums’ worth of material for 2010’s “self-contained world of warmth” Have One on Me, but she’s a bit overdue for a new full-length. In light of that knowledge, this cover version of 1971’s “The North Star Grassman and the Ravens,” by late great English folky Sandy Denny, may only further frustrate fans eager for something to really sink their teeth into. Here, Andy Samberg’s fiancé takes care to preserve the original’s fragility, combining gently resonant strums with vocals that float in and out of the mix to beautifully ethereal results. Maximilla Lukacs directs on behalf of Los Angeles clothing designer Wren, who provide Newsom with the sweet sylvan duds she’s sporting throughout. Also, check out that sweet owl. (Via Stereogum)